Agfa Digital Imager

Key drivers of the X-ray equipment market include advances in digital technology, superior image quality, speed and improved flexibility, an aging population, and rising expectations for quality of care. Moreover, increasing volumes of radiographic procedures have placed greater demand to streamline the workflow. Compared to analog systems, digital radiography solutions simplify the processing of radiographs, and as a result, demand for these systems has continued to rise, supporting climbing market for these apparatuses.

The X-ray market continues to experience a sustained demand, due to the increased usage of evidence-based medicine and requirement of X-rays to diagnose internal injuries and to detect breast cancer. The use of digital X-rays allows finding problem sites quickly and with great level of accuracy. These factors are pushing many hospitals to make a transition from analog X-rays to DR equipment.

When CR became routine many years ago, the rule of thumb was that one CR rad room could do the work of three film rooms in terms of patient throughput. Now that DR is being commonly used, it is expected that one DR rad room can do the work of six CR rooms. As hospitals utilize CR and DR, they can convert obsolete film and CR rad rooms into other more valuable space, such as ultrasound rooms or prep rooms.

Deploying a combination of CR and DR in the emergency room (ER), with only CR in the main department. Short and her colleagues transitioned to CR about five years ago, while their move to DR took place within the last year and will gradually increase. The impetus to deploy DR in the ER is faster throughput of critically ill and trauma patients. With no cassettes to handle and an immediate image to evaluate, technologists and radiologists can significantly reduce the patient’s time spent in the ER. DR allows for flexibility in terms of quality because you manipulate the images or repeat them immediately if necessary. DR processes the images immediately, optimizing the radiologist’s ability to make a diagnosis. CR, on the other hand, offers the advantage of being portable, “to capture images remotely in difficult circumstances,” he says.

X-ray imaging is the fastest and easiest way for a physician to view and assess broken bone, cracked skull, spinal trauma, cancer, developmental disorders, and dental condition. With the advent of digital systems, there has been a paradigm shift in the way images are captured, processed, and finally presented. The innovations and advancement of radiography has greatly improved the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and has led to safer and more reliable manufacturing techniques.

Digital Hardcopy Imaging : No matter the size of a facility or the complexity of a radiology infrastructure, Hardcopy images continue to be an extremely valuable - and often irreplaceable, diagnostic tool.

A Hardcopy solution for every need.

Whether you need centralized, high-end printing for a large radiology department or a decentralized printing capability for next-to applications or within mobile units, Agfa HealthCare has the perfect hardcopy solution.

These solutions – among the fastest on the market from print order to first film print – are made possible through the creation and development of our ecologically friendly, award winning Direct Digital Imaging technology.

This single step process represents the standard in hardcopy imaging and is the technology on which
all our DRYSTAR imagers are based.

When you combine this technological excellence with the built-in network connectivity offered by the DICOM compliance of our imagers; our Paxport gateway – which enables integrated communication whatever your equipment’s operating language – and specialized media for all environments, you’ll understand why hardcopy solutions from Agfa HealthCare are the first choice for healthcare professionals.

The Agfa portfolio contains solutions for centralized, high-end printing for a large radiology department and for decentralized printing next to applications and within mobile units. The modular designs and built-in networking connectivity make Agfa's Digital Hardcopy Imaging solutions the logical choice for point-to-point or networked environments.

The basic idea behind direct digital imaging is a solid-state - and hence highly reliable - 14'' print head that writes line-by-line onto heat-sensitive DRYSTAR film in a single-step process. Images of the same quality level are printed without the use of a complex laser and optical system. The only moving parts in the printer are the film and film drum itself. The straightforward design greatly increases reliability. The unique direct digital printing process guarantees high consistency of exposure.

Agfa's DRYSTAR imagers incorporate a built-in on-line macro-densitometer, controlling crosstalk via an intelligent thermal model that takes environment, image contents, thermal head condition and other factors all fully into account. The result is that every pixel in the image is completely software-controlled. This makes the thermal process more flexible than alternative laser engine technologies.

When you combine this technological excellence with the built-in network connectivity offered by the DICOM compliance of our imagers; our Paxport gateway – which enables integrated communication whatever your equipment’s operating language – and specialized media for all environments, you’ll understand why hardcopy solutions from Agfa HealthCare are the first choice for healthcare professionals. High-speed electronic networks with bandwidth adequate to transmit image files wherever and whenever needed are now accepted as an essential infrastructure component in healthcare.

Improved technology

The above chart shows the preferred attributes of an "ideal" DR system. Changing healthcare needs require tomorrow's diagnostic imaging service provider to rapidly produce the highest quality images, transmit them broadly, display them in alternative ways, and then archive and retrieve them efficiently. New digital radiography image-capture systems are a critical element in this all-digital version. A digitized image can be transmitted electronically for diagnosis via reading on a workstation monitor or for printing on film, as well as for electronic storage. Because of the wide dynamic range inherent in most digital images, a radiologist can adjust the image electronically at a workstation to optimize the view of the desired anatomy. Hardcopy images from digital printers can also be adjusted/ optimized to suit the viewer's preferences.

Until now, storage phosphor-based computed radiography (CR) has been the best alternative for acquiring digital projection radiography images. CR has the advantage of being fully compatible with existing x-ray equipment designed for film-screen imaging. However, it has the disadvantage of requiring readout and processing steps that take about the same time as conventional film to obtain a diagnostically useful image, (- though CR will have inherent advantages in archiving the radiology work-floor and simplification of the work-flow). In the past years something radically different has entered the the medical imaging market, offering a new standard for digital x-ray capture: large-area, flat-panel, solid-state detectors with integrated, thin-film transistors readout mechanisms. Together with the advances in digital display, archiving, and communication technology, digital image capture holds promise of enhancing the quality and productivity of radiological departments.

The excitement surrounding DR technology is twofold: it promises very rapid access to digital images (instant information sharing between consultants) wherever radiography with stationary x-ray equipment is performed, and it can provide image quality that exceeds both film-screen and computed radiography.

While the distinction between CR and DR, in terms of technological advancements, has become blurred, it is still important for radiologists, technologists and IT personnel to understand the strengths that each modality can bring to the enterprise, whether in the main hospital or the ER. CR is considerably less expensive than DR and has therefore been the initial way for many facilities to go filmless. Additionally, the speed offered by DR has become the default way for many emergency rooms to enter into the digital radiography revolution. The key now is for these institutions to find the optimal balance between the two complementary x-ray systems and to use them in conjunction to provide better patient care at the most reasonable cost.

Key advantages:

- A single-step process, a simple mechanism

- Compactness

- Reliability

- Accessibility

- Daylight-insensitive film

- Easy maintenance

- Simple ecological packaging

- Solid-state imaging

- Long life

- Controlled, consistent image quality

- Excellent price/performance ratio

- Solid cost benefits.

Multiple media choices for total flexibility

Each of the DRYSTAR imager input trays can handle different media sizes, providing the flexibility desired and provided. Using a heat-sensitive instead of a light-sensitive media, these imagers offer complete daylight film handeling, allowing the operator to freely open trays, load media, etc. as required.

And no matter which DRYSTAR hardcopy imager one chooses, there is a DRYSTAR media that delivers the results required.

For the DRYSTAR 5300, 5302, AXYS and 5503, Agfa provides the DRYSTAR DT2 Direct Digital grayscale media; anf for the mammography option of the DRYSTAR 5503 and AXYS there is the DRYSTAR DT2 Mammo.

Ehatever your imager and its application, you ensure to maximize benifits of the DRYSTAT imager when you use the Agfa family media developed specifically to complement the DRYSTAR family.

Agfa Scanners Suitable For All Medical Facilities

Agfa scanners from Dicom Solutions offer a line of scalable CR digitizers designed to meet all of your digital radiography needs. Agfa CR equipment allows you to acquire digital images quickly and easily, and is appropriate for centralized and decentralized work environments. Dicom Solutions offers the AGFA CR 30-X as well as the AGFA CR 35-X systems for your consideration.

The AGFA CR 30-X was built for a private and decentralized computed radiography environment, including emergency, ICU, dental, chiropractic, orthopedic, military field hospital and veterinary applications. This Agfa processor produces high resolution images, reading imaging plates at ten pixels/mm regardless of plate size. It is a compact size and can be used in the x-ray room or, with a mobile kit, is appropriate for use in mobile situations. This Agfa equipment requires no special electrical outlets in order to function, so you can be up and running with it with a single day's installation.

If you are looking for Agfa equipment that is designed for use in decentralized CR environments, then the AGFA CR 35-X is appropriate. This small-footprint Agfa CR unit can be used for general radiology including extremities, orthopedics, pediatrics as well as dental applications. This piece of Agfa equipment is quite flexible in plate reading. Standard resolution imaging plates are read at six pixels/mm, while high resolution plates are read at ten pixels/mm. Mammography and extremities cassettes and plates sized eighteen by twenty-four centimeters as well as twenty-four by thirty centimeters can be read at twenty pixels/mm resolution.

Agfa scanners from Dicom Solutions make it much easier for your medical office or imaging center to meet HIPPA regulations for storage and retention of your patient digital images. When images are digitized, you can store them in a fraction of the space that would be needed for film images, and much less cost for personnel and maintenance. Digital images used in conjunction with a PACS system also allows you to use the speed of the Internet to send digital medical images to any authorized personnel anywhere in the world with Internet access. If your medical facility is in the process of making the switch from film to digital imaging, our hardware can make that process easier. Instead of retaking film images, all that is needed is to scan the film images through Agfa scanners, which are converted to digital images, readily viewed with a PACS viewer and stored in a server for easy retrieval.

• Very short access time, for extremely fast delivery of first four prints;

• Convenient imaging, with two film sizes on-line;

• Reliable, flexible and affordable.

DRYSTAR AXYS offers a great range of possibilities, despite its compact size. It can be used in both centralized workflows and with dedicated applications. Fitting a full range of applications, it also features daylight handling for the two on-line media trays, with five media sizes and three different media types available. The imager thus offers enhanced flexibility and convenience, and the ability to use
multiple media sizes makes the DRYSTAR AXYS suitable for all applications. In addition, its ultra-short access time for the first five prints, as well as its efficient throughput, provide increased productivity.

Direct Digital Imaging: More reliability, for more availability

As with all of Agfa HealthCare’s DRYSTAR family of imagers, DRYSTAR AXYS features Direct Digital Imaging (DDI). This solid-state technology avoids the use of complex optical components, for an imager that is more reliable and durable by design. In addition, DRYSTAR AXYS is ecological and user-friendly, requiring
no wet processing, darkroom, complicated adjustments or cleaning procedures. Environmentally-harmful chemicals, waste handling and disposal costs are things of the past.

High-quality mammography images from a table-top imager

With DRYSTAR AXYS, the mammography department can enjoy all the convenience of a table-top, digital imager. Its high resolution of 508 dpi perfectly matches the 50 ¼m modality resolution, without interpolations. The result is the superior image quality required for diagnostic mammography images. Yet the DRYSTAR AXYS offers the same reliability, affordability and convenient size of all the Agfa HealthCare DRYSTAR table-top imagers.

The right fit for both centralized and dedicated environments

DRYSTAR AXYS is the right solution for both smaller facilities with limited space and lower patient volume, and larger facilities with many departments. As a centralized imager, it supports a wide range of applications, including CT, MR, DSA and US, as well as CR/DR applications for GenRad, Mammography, Orthopaedics, Dentistry, etc. Equally, its compact design makes it the ideal dedicated
departmental imager: for example, for the digital mammography department.

Easy connectivity for maximum flexibility DRYSTAR AXYS is a DICOM-native imager, which makes network connectivity easy. For point-to-point connection with non-DICOM modalities, DRYSTAR AXYS can be used
with Agfa’s LINX Paxport.

A#Sharp: Enhancing imaging quality

As part of our continual drive to provide you with excellent image quality, our award winning Direct Digital Imaging (DDI) technology has been enhanced to include A#Sharp technology. This technology intensifies imaging capability, enabling DDI to provide sharper image quality across all applications.

(2) DRYSTAR 5300 IMAGER

Tabletop, next-to-application imager for decentralized workflow

DRYSTAR 5300 IS A LARGE MEDIA SIZE, DIRECT DIGITAL IMAGER.

• Direct Digital Imaging technology

• A decentralized hardcopy solution

• Easy daylight loading.

Next-to-application imaging for decentralized applications

The unit’s small footprint means that convenient next-to-application installation is possible in even
the most space-restricted environments. The imager of choice for decentralized applications, DRYSTAR 5300’s freedom of placement makes it the perfect match for many modalities. With the low investment and running cost of this imager, equipping every department with its own imaging solution becomes a reality.

Excellent reliability, minimum maintenance DRYSTAR 5300 offers all the benefits of Direct Digital Imaging. This solid-state technology avoids the use of complex optical components, making the imager reliable and durable by design. Moreover, DRYSTAR 5300 is ecological and user-friendly. No more wet processing, no darkroom, no complicated adjustments or cleaning procedures. Environmentally harmful chemicals, waste handling and disposal costs are things of the past.

Easy connectivity for maximum flexibility DRYSTAR 5300 is a DICOM-native imager, which makes network connectivity easy. For point-to-point connection with non-DICOM modalities, DRYSTAR 5300 can be used
with Agfa HealthCare´s LINX Paxport.

A total, one-stop imaging solution

Through its intelligent matching of Direct Digital Imaging technology, media and imager, DRYSTAR 5300 is
designed to stand at the heart of Agfa HealthCare’s integrated solutions. Combined with state-of-the-art DRYSTAR DT2 media, diagnostic quality grayscale hardcopies of the highest standard are delivered time after time. Because it is heat-sensitive rather than light-sensitive, DT2 brings the added convenience of daylight loading. For the DRYSTAR 5300, DRYSTAR DT2 is available in 2 media sizes: 11 x 14” and 14 x 17”.

Enhancing imaging quality

As part of our continual drive to provide you with perfect image quality, our award winning Direct
Digital Imaging (DDI) technology has been enhanced to include A#Sharp technology. This technology
intensifies imaging capability, enabling DDI to provide sharper image quality across all applications.

(3) DRYSTAR 5302 IMAGER

DRYSTAR 5302 is a DUAL media size, Direct Digital imager.

• Excellent reliability, minimum maintenance

• Direct Digital Imaging technology

• Convenient imaging with two media sizes on-line

• Easy daylight loading.

DRYSTAR 5302 offers all the benefits of Direct Digital Imaging. This solid-state technology avoids the use of complex optical components, making the imager reliable and durable by design. Moreover, DRYSTAR 5302 is ecological and user-friendly. No more wet processing, no darkroom, no complicated adjustments or cleaning procedures. Chemicals, waste handling and disposal costs are things of the past.

Easy connectivity for maximum flexibility

Next-to-application imaging

The unit’s small footprint means that convenient next-to-application installation is possible in even the
most space-restricted environments. DRYSTAR 5302’s freedom of placement, combined with its low investment
and running costs, make it the perfect match for many modalities.

A total, one-stop imaging solution Through its intelligent matching of Direct Digital Imaging technology, media and imager, DRYSTAR 5302 is designed to stand at the heart of Agfa HealthCare’s
integrated solutions. Combined with state-of-the-art DRYSTAR DT2 media, diagnostic quality greyscale
hardcopies of the highest standard are delivered time after time. Because it is heat-sensitive rather than light-sensitive, DT2 brings the added convenience of daylight loading.

(4) DRYSTAR 5500 IMAGER

The DRYSTAR 5500 is a high-throughput, high-resolution, dual media size Direct ThermalTM imager that can be easily networked for maximum productivity.

Improving workflow With its high throughput of up to 100 14" x 17" sheets/hour, its unique multi-format architecture and sorting per modality function, the DRYSTAR 5500 is a versatile partner capable of handling a diversity of printing tasks from different sources with speed and reliability.

As an option, DRYSTAR 5500 can also print mammography images. Using our dedicated DT2 Mammo film ensures you the highest image quality, in accordance with mammography standards. With its 508 dpi resolution and the A#Sharp technology, DRYSTAR 5500 produces the sharpest images, ideally suited for digital mammography. An automatic quality assurance tool is built in to help you with your daily quality checks.
Images can be printed on 8 x 10” film, as well as on 10 x 12” film for modalities with larger detectors.
In the mammography mode, the DRYSTAR 5500 can print up to 140 8 x 10” mammo films per hour, fitting easily into an environment with several modalities, while ensuring full performance for the mammography department.